Instruction Manual
Manual de instrucciones
Warning!
For safe operation follow all safety
precautions in Instruction Manual - improper
use can cause serious injury.
Advertencia!
Para su seguridad durante el manejo de este
producto, siga siempre las precauciones de
seguridad dadas en el manual de
instrucciones - el uso indebido puede causar
lesiones graves.
STIH)
STIHL FS 55
BA_U1_86_01.fm Seite 0 Dienstag, 6. April 2004 9:40 09
1FS 55
English / USA
BA_SE_012_006_01_07.fmPrinted on chlorine-free paper.
Printing inks contain vegetable oils; paper can be recycled.
© ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, 2004
0458 233 3021 C. M22. C4. PM. Printed in USA
STIHl
Contents
Guide to Using this Manual .............. 2
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques ......................... 3
Approved Combinations of
Mowing Tool, Deflector,
Handle and Harness ....................... 16
Mounting the Bike Handle .............. 18
Mounting the Loop Handle ............. 19
Fitting the Carrying Eye* ................ 20
Mounting the Deflector ................... 21
Mounting the Cutting Tools ............. 21
Fuel ................................................ 26
Fueling ............................................ 27
Fitting the Harness ......................... 27
Balancing the Brushcutter .............. 28
Starting / Stopping .......................... 28
Operating Instructions .................... 32
Cleaning the Air Filter ..................... 32
Motor Management ........................ 33
Adjusting the Carburetor ................ 33
Catalytic Converter* ........................ 35
Checking the Spark Plug ................ 35
Rewind Starter ................................ 36
Storing the Machine ........................ 37
Lubricating the Gearbox ................. 37
Replacing the Nylon Line ............... 37
Sharpening Metal Cutting Tools ...... 39
Inspections and Maintenance by
STIHL Service ................................ 40
Maintenance Chart ......................... 41
Parts and Controls .......................... 42
Specifications ................................. 44
* see “Guide to Using this Manual”
Special Accessories ....................... 45
Maintenance and Repairs .............. 46
STIHL Incorporated Federal and
California Emission Control
Warranty Statement ........................ 47
Allow only persons who understand this
manual to operate your brushcutter.
To receive maximum performance and
satisfaction from your STIHL brush-
cutter, it is important that you read and
understand the maintenance and safety
precautions, starting on page 3, before
using your brushcutter.
Contact your STIHL dealer or the STIHL
distributor for your area if you do not
understand any of the instructions in this
manual.
!Warning!
Because a brushcutter is a high-speed
cutting tool some special safety pre-
cautions must be observed to reduce
the risk of personal injury.
Careless or improper use may cause
serious or even fatal injury. Make sure
your unit is equipped with the proper
deflector, handle and harness for the
type of cutting attachment being used.
Always wear proper eye protection.
STIHL's philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improve-
ments are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the appear-
ance of your brushcutter differs from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for informa-
tion and assistance.
2
English / USA
FS 55
Pictograms
All the pictograms attached to the
machine are shown and explained in
this manual.
The operating and handling instructions
are supported by illustrations.
Symbols in text
The individual steps or procedures
described in the manual may be marked
in different ways:
: Step or procedure without direct
reference to an illustration.
Description of step or procedure that
refers directly to the illustration and
contains item numbers that appear in
the illustration.
Example:
Loosen the screw (1)
Lever (2) ...
In addition to the operating instructions,
this manual may contain paragraphs
that require your special attention. Such
paragraphs are marked with the
symbols described below:
Warning where there is a risk of an
accident or personal injury or
serious damage to property.
Caution where there is a risk of
damaging the machine or individual
components.
Note or hint which is not essential
for using the machine, but may
improve the operator’s under-
standing of the situation and result
in better use of the machine.
Note or hint on correct procedure in
order to avoid damage to the
environment.
Equipment and features
This instruction manual refers to
several models with different
features. Components that are not
installed in all models and related
applications are marked with an
asterisk (*). Such components may
be available as special accessories
from your STIHL dealer.
Engineering improvements
STIHL’s philosophy is to continually
improve all of its products. As a result,
engineering changes and improvements
are made from time to time. If the
operating characteristics or the
appearance of your machine differ from
those described in this manual, please
contact your STIHL dealer for
assistance.
Therefore, we cannot be responsible for
changes, modifications or
improvements not covered in this
manual.
Guide to Using this Manual
3FS 55
English / USA
Warning!
Because a brushcutter is
a high-speed, fast-cutting
power tool, special safety
precautions must be
observed to reduce the risk of personal
injury.
It is important that you
read, fully understand and
observe the following
safety precautions and
warnings. Read the
owner's manual and the
safety instructions periodically. Careless
or improper use of any brushcutter may
cause serious or fatal injury.
Have your STIHL dealer show you how
to operate your brushcutter. Observe all
applicable local safety regulations,
standards and ordinances.
!Warning!
Do not lend or rent your brushcutter
without the owner's manual. Be sure that
anyone using your brushcutter
understands the information contained
in this manual.
!Warning!
The use of any brushcutter may be
hazardous. If the rotating cutting tool
comes in contact with your body, it will
cut you. When it comes in contact with
solid foreign objects such as rocks or
bits of metal, it may fling them directly or
by ricochet in the direction of bystanders
or the operator.
Striking such objects could damage the
cutting attachment and may cause
blades to crack, chip or break.
STIHL does not recommend the use of
rigid blades when cutting in stony areas.
Thrown objects or damaged blades may
result in serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders.
!Warning!
Minors should never be allowed to use a
brushcutter. Bystanders, especially
children, and animals should not be
allowed in the area where a brushcutter
is in use.
Never let the brushcutter run
unattended.
Most of these safety precautions and
warnings apply to the use of all STIHL
brushcutters. Different models may have
different parts and controls. See the
appropriate section of your owner's
manual for a description of the controls
and function of the parts of your model
brushcutter.
Safe use of a brushcutter involves
1. the operator
2. the brushcutter
3. the use of the brushcutter.
THE OPERATOR
Physical Condition
You must be in good physical condition
and mental health and not under the
influence of any substance (drugs,
alcohol, etc.) which might impair vision,
dexterity or judgement. Do not operate a
brushcutter when you are fatigued.
Be alert – if you get tired while operating
your brushcutter, take a break.
Tiredness may result in loss of control.
Working with any brushcutter can be
strenuous. If you have any condition that
might be aggravated by strenuous work,
check with your doctor before operating
a brushcutter.
Safety Precautions and
Working Techniques
4
English / USA
FS 55
!Warning!
Prolonged use of a brushcutter (or other
machines) exposing the operator to
vibrations may produce whitefinger
disease (Raynaud's phenomenon) or
carpal tunnel syndrome.
These conditions reduce the hand's
ability to feel and regulate temperature,
produce numbness and burning
sensations and may cause nerve and
circulation damage and tissue necrosis.
All factors which contribute to white-
finger disease are not known, but cold
weather, smoking and diseases or
physical conditions that affect blood
vessels and blood transport, as well as
high vibration levels and long periods of
exposure to vibration are mentioned as
factors in the development of whitefinger
disease. In order to reduce the risk of
whitefinger disease and carpal tunnel
syndrome, please note the following:
– Most STIHL power tools are
available with an anti-vibration
("AV") system designed to reduce
the transmission of vibrations
created by the engine to the
operator's hands. An AV system is
recommended for those persons
using power tools on a regular or
sustained basis.
– Wear gloves and keep your hands
warm.
– Keep the AV system well
maintained. A brushcutter with
loose components or with damaged
or worn AV buffers will tend to have
higher vibration levels.
– Maintain a firm grip at all times, but
do not squeeze the handles with
constant, excessive pressures and
take frequent breaks.
All the above mentioned precautions do
not guarantee that you will not sustain
whitefinger disease or carpal tunnel
syndrome. Therefore continual and
regular users should monitor closely the
condition of their hands and fingers. If
any of the above symptoms appear,
seek medical advice immediately.
!Warning!
The ignition system of the STIHL unit
produces an electromagnetic field of a
very low intensity. This field may
interfere with some pacemakers. To
reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury,
persons with pacemaker should consult
their physician and the pacemaker
manufacturer before operating this tool.
Proper Clothing
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury, the operator
should wear proper protective apparel."
The deflector provided with your
brushcutter may not protect the operator
from all foreign objects (gravel, glass,
wire, etc.) thrown by the rotating cutting
attachment. Thrown objects may also
ricochet and strike the operator.
5FS 55
English / USA
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury
to your eyes never
operate a brushcutter
unless wearing goggles or
properly fitted safety
glasses with adequate top
and side protection complying with ANSI
Z 87.1 (or your applicable national
standard). To reduce the risk of injury to
your face STIHL recommends that you
also wear a face shield or face screen
over your goggles or safety glasses.
!Warning!
Brushcutter noise may
damage your hearing.
Wear sound barriers (ear
plugs or ear mufflers) to
protect your hearing.
Continual and regular
users should have their hearing checked
regularly.
Protect your hands with
gloves when handling the
brushcutter and the
cutting tool. Heavy-duty,
nonslip gloves improve
your grip and protect your
hands.
Clothing must be sturdy
and snug-fitting, but allow
complete freedom of
movement. Avoid loose-
fitting jackets, scarfs,
neckties, jewelry, flared or
cuffed pants, unconfined longhair or
anything that could become caught on
branches, brush or moving parts of the
unit. Wear long pants made of heavy
material to protect your legs. Do not
wear shorts, pants, sandals or go bare
foot. Secure hair so it is above shoulder
level.
Good footing is most
important in brushcutter
work. Wear sturdy boots
with nonslip soles. Steel-
toed safety boots are
recommended.
Wear an approved safety
hard hat to reduce the risk
of injury to your head
when there is a danger of
head injuries.
THE BRUSHCUTTER
For illustrations and definitions of the
brushcutter parts see the chapter on
"Parts and Controls".
!Warning!
Never modify a brushcutter in any way.
Only attachments supplied by STIHL or
expressly approved by STIHL for use
with the specific STIHL brushcutter
models are authorized. Although certain
unauthorized attachments are useable
for the STIHL brushcutter, their use may,
in fact, be extremely dangerous.
6
English / USA
FS 55
THE USE OF THE
BRUSHCUTTER
Transporting the brushcutter
!Warning!
Always turn off the engine and make
sure the cutting attachment has stop-
ped before putting a brushcutter down.
When transporting your brushcutter in a
vehicle, properly secure it to prevent
turnover, fuel spillage and damage to the
brushcutter. Keep metal cutting tools
covered with the transport guard
(optional accessory).
Preparation for the use of the
brushcutter
Adjust carrying harness and hand grip to
suit your size before starting work. The
machine should be properly balanced as
specified in your owner's manual for
proper control and less fatigue in
operation.
Always check your brushcutter for
proper condition and operation before
starting, particularly the throttle trigger,
throttle trigger interlock (if applicable),
stopswitch, cutting tool, deflector and
harness.
Arrows on the deflector (A) and stop (B)
show the correct direction of rotation of
the cutting tool.
The throttle trigger must move freely and
always spring back to the idle position.
The cutting tool must be properly
tightened and in safe operating
condition. Inspect for loose parts (nuts,
screws, etc.) and for cracked, bent,
warped or damaged blades.
Fueling
Your STIHL brushcutter uses an oil-
gasoline mixture for fuel (see the chap-
ter on "Fuel" of your owner's manual).
!Warning!
Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. If spilled
and ignited by a spark or
other ignition source, it
can cause fire and serious
burn injury or property
damage. Use extreme caution when
handling gasoline or fuel mix.
Do not smoke or bring any fire or flame
near the fuel or brushcutter.
Fueling Instructions
!Warning!
Fuel your brushcutter in well-ventilated
areas, outdoors. Always shut off the
engine and allow it to cool before
refueling. Gasoline vapor pressure may
build up inside the fuel tank depending
on the fuel used, the weather conditions
and the tank venting system.
A
000BA006 KN
B
000BA007 KN
7FS 55
English / USA
In order to reduce the risk of burns and
other personal injury from escaping gas
vapor and fumes, remove the fuel filler
cap on your brushcutter carefully so as
to allow any pressure build-up in the
tank to release slowly. Never remove
fuel filler cap while engine is running.
Select bare ground for fueling and move
at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling
spot before starting the engine. Wipe off
any spilled fuel before starting your
brushcutter and check for leakage.
!Warning!
Check for fuel leakage while refueling
and during operation. If fuel or oil
leakage is found, do not start or run the
engine until leak is fixed and spilled fuel
has been wiped away. Take care not to
get fuel on your clothing. If this happens,
change your clothing immediately.
Different models may be equipped with
different fuel caps.
Cap with Grip
!Warning!
In order to reduce the risk of fuel spillage
and fire from an improperly tightened
fuel cap, correctly position and tighten
the fuel cap in the fuel tank opening.
To do this with this STIHL
cap, raise the grip on the
top of the cap until it is
upright at a 90° angle.
Insert the cap in the fuel
tank opening with the
triangular marks on the grip of the cap
and on the fuel tank opening lining up.
Using the grip, turn the cap firmly
clockwise as far as it will go (approx. a
quarter turn).
Fold the grip flush with the
top of the cap. If the grip
does not lie completely
flush with the cap and the
detent on the grip does
not fit in the
corresponding recess in the filler neck,
the cap is not properly seated and
tightened and you must repeat the
above steps.
Screw Cap
!Warning!
Unit vibrations can cause
an improperly tightened
fuel filler cap to loosen or
come off and spill
quantities of fuel. In order
to reduce the risk of fuel
spillage and fire, tighten the fuel filler cap
by hand with as much force as possible.
Operating instructions
! Warning!
Improper use of
any brushcutter
can cause serious
or fatal personal
injury. To reduce
the risk of personal injury to the operator
from blade contact and thrown objects,
make sure your unit is equipped with the
proper deflector, handle and harness for
the type of cutting attachment being
used (see chart in chapter on "Approved
Combinations of Cutting Tool, Deflector,
Handle and Harness").
8
English / USA
FS 55
Keep the deflector (and the skirt where
appropriate) adjusted properly at all
times (see chapter on mounting the
various cutting tools of your owner's
manual).
Starting
!Warning!
Your brushcutter is a one-person
machine. Once started, it may fling
foreign objects for a great distance.
To reduce the risk of eye and other injury
insure that bystanders are at least 50
feet (15 m) away. Bystanders should be
encouraged to wear eye protection. Stop
the engine and cutting tool immediately
if you are approached. Start and operate
your brushcutter without assistance. For
specific starting instructions, see the
appropriate section of your manual.
Place the brushcutter on firm ground or
other solid surface in an open area.
Maintain a good balance and secure
footing.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from loss of
control, be absolutely sure that the
cutting tool is clear of you and all other
obstructions and objects, including the
ground, because when the engine starts
at starting-throttle, engine speed will be
fast enough for the clutch to engage and
turn the cutting tool.
!Warning!
When you pull the starter grip, don't
wrap the starter rope around your hand.
Do not allow the grip to snap back, but
guide the starter rope to rewind it
properly. Failure to follow this procedure
may result in injury to hand or fingers
and may damage the starter
mechanism.
With the engine running but at idle,
attach the brushcutter to the spring hook
of your harness (see appropriate
chapter of this manual).
Catalytic converter
!Warning!
Some STIHL brushcutter
models are equipped with
a catalytic converter,
which is designed to
reduce the exhaust
emissions of the engine
by a chemical process in the muffler.
Due to this process, the muffler does not
cool down as rapidly as conventional
mufflers when the engine returns to idle
or is shut off. To reduce the risk of fire
and burn injuries, the following specific
safety precautions must be observed.
!Warning!
Since a muffler with a catalytic converter
cools down less rapidly than conven-
tional mufflers, always set your
brushcutter down in the upright position
and never locate it where the muffler is
near dry brush, grass, wood chips or
other combustible materials while it is
still hot.
15m (50ft)
9FS 55
English / USA
Let the engine cool down sitting on
concrete, metal, bare ground or solid
wood (e.g. the trunk of a felled tree)
away from any combustible substances.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,
let the unit cool down before refueling
your brushcutter after use.
!Warning!
Never disassemble or modify your
muffler. The muffler could be damaged
and cause an increase in heat radiation
or sparks, thereby increasing the risk
of fire or burn injury. You may also
permanently damage the engine. Have
your muffler serviced and repaired by
your STIHL Servicing Dealer only.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or burn injury,
keep the area around the muffler clean.
Remove all debris such as pine needles,
branches or leaves.
!Warning!
An improperly mounted or damaged
cylinder housing or a damaged/
deformed muffler shell may interfere
with the cooling effect of the catalytic
converter. To reduce the risk of fire or
burn injury, do not continue work with a
damaged or improperly mounted
cylinder housing or a damaged/
deformed muffler shell. Your catalytic
converter is furnished with screens
designed to reduce the risk of fire from
the emission of hot particles. Due to the
heat from the catalytic reaction, these
screens will normally stay clean and
need no service or maintenance. If you
experience loss of performance and you
suspect a clogged screen, have your
muffler maintained by a STIHL Servicing
Dealer.
Working Conditions
Operate and start your brushcutter only
outdoors in a ventilated area.
Operate the brushcutter under good
visibility and daylight conditions only.
Work carefully.
!Warning!
Your brushcutter
produces toxic exhaust
fumes as soon as the
engine is running. These
gases (e.g. carbon
monoxide) may be
colorless and odorless. To reduce the
risk of serious or fatal injury from
inhaling toxic fumes, never run the
brushcutter indoors or in poorly
ventilated locations.
!Warning!
Use of this product can generate dust
and fumes containing chemicals known
to cause respiratory disease, cancer,
birth defects, or other reproductive
harm. If you are unfamiliar with the risks
associated with the particular dust or
fume at issue, consult your employer,
governmental agencies such as OSHA
and NIOSH and other sources on
hazardous materials. California and
10
English / USA
FS 55
some other authorities, for instance,
have published lists of substances
known to cause cancer, reproductive
toxicity, etc.
Control dust and fumes at the source
where possible. In this regard use good
work practices and follow the
recommendations of OSHA/NIOSH and
occupational and trade associations.
When the inhalation of toxic dust and
fumes cannot be eliminated, the
operator and any bystanders should
always wear a respirator approved by
NIOSH/MSHA for the type of dust and /
or fumes encountered.
!Warning!
The muffler and other parts of the engine
(e.g. fins of the cylinder, spark plug)
become hot during operation and remain
hot for a while after stopping the engine.
To reduce risk of burns do not touch the
muffler and other parts while they are
hot.
Do not cut any material other than grass,
brush and wood. The cutting tools may
be used only for the operations
described in your manual.
Always hold the brushcutter firmly with
both hands. Wrap your fingers tightly
around the handles, keeping the
handles cradled between your thumb
and forefinger. Keep your hands in this
position to have your brushcutter under
control at all times. Make sure your
brushcutter handles and grip are in good
condition and free of moisture, pitch, oil
or grease.
!Warning!
Never attempt to operate any brush-
cutter with one hand. Loss of control of
the brushcutter resulting in serious or
fatal injury may result.
!Warning!
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing
and balance at all times. Special care
must be taken in slippery conditions (wet
ground, snow) and in difficult, overgrown
terrain. Watch for hidden obstacles such
as tree stumps, roots and ditches to
avoid stumbling. Be extremely cautious
when working on slopes or uneven
ground.
002BA055 KN
002BA024 LÄ
002BA054 KN
002BA080 KN
11FS 55
English / USA
!Warning!
Before cutting, inspect the
area for stones, glass,
pieces of metal, trash or
other solid objects. The
cutting attachment could
throw objects of this kind.
!Warning!
When using rigid blades, avoid cutting
close to fences, sides of buildings, tree
trunks, stones or other such objects that
could cause the brushcutter to kick out
or could cause damage to the blade.
STIHL recommends use of the nylon line
heads or PolyCut head for such jobs. In
addition, be alert to an increased
possibility of ricochets in such situations.
!Warning!
This brushcutter is normally to be used
at ground level with the cutting attach-
ment parallel to the ground. Use of a
brushcutter above ground level or with
the cutting attachment perpendicular to
the ground may increase the risk of
injury, since the cutting attachment is
more fully exposed and the brushcutter
may be more difficult to control. Never
use your brushcutter as a hedge
trimmer.
Do not operate using the starting throttle
lock as you do not have control of the
engine speed. See section of your
owner's manual on the proper use of the
slide control.
If the cutting tool or deflector becomes
clogged or stuck, always turn off the
engine and make sure the cutting tool
has stopped before cleaning. Grass,
weeds, etc. should be cleaned off the
cutting tool at regular intervals.
!Warning!
During cutting, check the tightness and
the condition of the cutting tool at regular
intervals. If the behavior of the tool
changes, stop the engine immediately,
and check the nut securing the tool for
tightness and the cutting tool for cracks
and damage. Replace cracked, bent,
warped, damaged or dull cutting tools
immediately. Such tools may shatter at
high speed and cause serious or fatal
injury.
!Warning!
A loose blade may cause the blade to
vibrate, crack, break or come off the
brushcutter, which may result in serious
or fatal injury. Make sure that the blade
is properly tightened. Use the wrench
supplied or one of sufficient length to
obtain the proper torque. If the blade
loosens after being properly tightened,
stop work immediately. The retaining nut
may be worn or damaged and should be
replaced. Never use unauthorized parts
to secure the blade. If the blade
continues to loosen, see your STIHL
dealer. Never use a brushcutter with a
loose blade.
Do not attach any blade to a unit without
proper installation of all required parts.
Never use unauthorized parts to secure
the blade. Failure to use the proper parts
may cause the blade to fly off and
seriously injure the operator or
bystanders.
12
English / USA
FS 55
!Warning!
Keep hands and feet
away from cutting tool.
Never touch a rotating
cutting tool with your hand
or any part of your body. It
continues to rotate for a
short period after the throttle trigger is
released (flywheel effect).
Important adjustments
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury from
loss of control or contact with the
running cutting tool, do not use a cutting
tool with incorrect idle adjustment. At
correct idle speed, the cutting tool
should not move. For directions on how
to adjust idle speed, see the appropriate
section of your owner's manual.
If you cannot set the correct idle speed,
have your STIHL dealer check your
brushcutter and make proper
adjustments and repairs.
MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND
STORING
Maintenance, replacement, or repair
of the emission control devices and
systems may be performed by any
nonroad engine repair establishment
or individual. However if you claim
warranty coverage for a component
which has not been serviced or
maintained properly or if
nonapproved replacement parts were
used, STIHL may deny warranty.
!Warning!
Use only identical STIHL replacement
parts for maintenance and repair. Use of
non-STIHL parts may cause serious or
fatal injury.
Follow the maintenance and repair
instructions in the appropriate section of
your owner's manual. Please refer to the
maintenance chart on the last pages of
this manual.
!Warning!
Always stop the engine and make sure
that the cutting tool is stopped before
doing any maintenance or repair work or
cleaning the brushcutter. Do not attempt
any maintenance or repair work not
described in your owner's manual. Have
such work performed at your STIHL
service shop only.
Wear gloves when handling or doing
maintenance on blade.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from contact
with a rotating head always stop engine
and allow the mowing head to
completely stop before you adjust the
nylon line.
!Warning!
Never repair damaged cutting attach-
ments by welding, straightening or
modifying the shape. This may cause
parts of the cutting tool to come off and
result in serious or fatal injuries.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire and burn
injuries, check fuel filler cap for leaks at
regular intervals. Use the specified
spark plug and make sure it and the
ignition lead are always clean and in
good condition. Always press spark plug
boot snugly onto spark plug boot of the
proper size. (Note: If boot has
detachable SAE adapter nut, it must be
attached.) A loose connection between
spark plug boot and ignition wire
connector in the boot may create arcing
that could ignite combustible fumes and
cause a fire.
13FS 55
English / USA
!Warning!
Never test the ignition system with
ignition wire boot removed from spark
plug or with unseated spark plug, since
uncontained sparking may cause a fire.
!Warning!
Do not operate your brushcutter if the
muffler is damaged, missing or modified.
An improperly maintained muffler will
increase the risk of fire and hearing loss.
Never touch a hot muffler or burn will
result. If your muffler was equipped with
a spark-arresting screen to reduce the
risk of fire (e.g. in the USA, Canada and
Australia), never operate your brush-
cutter if the screen is missing or
damaged. Do not modify or remove any
part of the muffler or spark arresting
screen. Remember that the risk of forest
fires is greater in hot or dry weather.
Keep cutting tool sharp. Tighten all nuts,
bolts and screws, except the carburetor
adjustment screws, after each use.
Additionally, the daily maintenance
schedule for your brushcutter set forth in
your STIHL Owner's Manual should be
strictly followed.
For any maintenance please refer to the
maintenance chart and to the warranty
statement near the end of this manual.
Store brushcutter in a dry, high or locked
location out of reach of children.
Before storing for longer than a few
days, always empty the fuel tank. See
chapter „Storing the machine“.
USING THE CUTTING TOOLS
For an illustration of the various cutting
tools and instructions on proper mount-
ing see the chapter on "Mounting the
Cutting Tools" in your owner's manual.
Using the mowing heads
Do not use with mowing line larger than
the intended diameter. With a properly
mounted guard, the built-in cutter will
automatically adjust the line to its proper
length. Overly long lines can overload
the engine, resulting in damage to the
clutch mechanism and nearby parts.
002BA018 LÄ
14
English / USA
FS 55
The damaged clutch may cause the
cutting attachment to rotate at idle speed
and increase the risk of personal injury
from loss of control and from contact
with the cutting tool.
The STIHL AutoCut, PolyCut and FixCut
mowing heads produce a clean and tidy
finish.
They may be used only on brushcutters
equipped with a line-limiting blade in the
deflector in order to keep the line at the
proper length (see "Parts and Controls"
chapter of this manual).
If the lawn edges are planted with trees
or bordered by a fence etc., it is best to
use a nylon line head. It achieves a
"softer" cut with less risk of damaging
tree bark etc. than with the polymer
blades.
However, the polymer bladed STIHL
PolyCut produces a better cut if there
are no plants along the edge of the lawn.
Sharpening is not necessary and worn
cutting blades are easily replaced.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of serious injury,
never use wire or metal-reinforced line
or other material in place of the nylon
cutting lines. Pieces of wire could break
off and be thrown at high speed toward
the operator or bystanders.
STIHL AutoCut mowing head
Nylon cutting cord advances auto-
matically when tapped against the
ground.
STIHL PolyCut mowing head
Uses either nylon lines or nonrigid
plastic blades
Important!
Three rectangular wear limit marks are
applied to the base (periphery) of the
PolyCut. To reduce the risk of serious
injury from breakage of the head or
blades, the PolyCut must not be used
when it has worn as far as one of these
marks. It is important to follow the
maintenance instructions supplied with
the head!
000BA015 KN
002BA049 KN
15FS 55
English / USA
STIHL FixCut mowing head
Observe wear indicators.
Do not continue using the mowing
head if the raised moldings (1) on the
base are missing or worn – see right
illustration above. The mowing head
may otherwise shatter and flying objects
could result in injury to the operator or
bystanders. Install a new mowing head.
Using the grass-cutting blade
All kinds of grass and weeds can be
easily cut with the grass-cutting blade.
The brushcutter is swept in an arc
similiar to a scythe.
!Warning!
To reduce the risk of serious or fatal
injury never attempt to cut woody
materials with the grass-cutting blade.
The 4-tooth grass cutting blade is
intended to cut grass and weeds.
It has 4 cutting knives with cutting edges
on both sides, i.e. front and rear.
The 8-tooth grass cutting blade is
recommended for cutting fern or reed.
Both blades have to be resharpened
when all cutting edges are dull.
Risk of "kickout" (blade thrust)
with all rigid cutting blades
!Warning!
Kickout (blade thrust) is the sudden and
uncontrolled motion towards the
operator's right or rear that can occur
when the shaded area of the rotating
blade comes in contact with a solid
object like a tree, rock, bush or wall.
The rapid counterclockwise rotation of
the blade may be stopped or slowed,
and the cutting attachment may be
thrown in an area to the right or to the
rear.
This kickout (blade thrust) may cause
loss of control of the brushcutter and
may result in serious or fatal injury to the
operator or bystanders. To reduce the
risk of injury, extreme caution should be
used when cutting with the shaded area
of any rigid blade.
000BA020 KN
000BA012 KN
16
English / USA
FS 55
Mowing tools
1 STIHL SuperCut 20-2
2 STIHL AutoCut 21-2
3 STIHL AutoCut 25-2
4 STIHL TrimCut 30-2
5 STIHL PolyCut 20-3
6 STIHL FixCut 25-3
7 Grass cutting blade 230-4
8 Grass cutting blade 230-8
Deflectors
9 Deflector for mowing heads
10 Deflector for all mowing tools
with
11 Skirt and blade
12 Deflector for all mowing tools
without skirt and blade
Handles
13 Loop handle
14 Loop handle with
15 Barrier bar
16 Bike handle
Harnesses
17 Shoulder strap may be used
18 Shoulder strap must be used
19 Full harnesss may be used
Equipment
The complete unit includes:
- Mowing tool
- Deflector
- Handle
- Harness (bike unit only)
Select the correct combination from
the table according to the mowing
tool you intend to use. Read the table
horizontally from left to right. Other
combinations, e.g. reading the table
diagonally, are not permitted.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of injury from
thrown objects and blade contact,
never operate your unit without the
proper deflector for the mowing
attachment being used. To reduce the
risk of injury from loss of control
and / or contact with the mowing tool,
make sure your unit is equipped with
a proper handle and harness for the
type of mowing attachment beeing
used.
Warning!
Stihl brushcutters with a loop handle
without barrier bar may be used only
with the above mentioned mowing
head with nylon line or plastic blades.
Other plastic or metal mowing tool
may only be used on brushcutters
with a bike-handle or loop-handle
with barrier bar in order to reduce the
risk of personal injury through
contact with the mowing tool.
Approved Combinations of Mowing Tool, Deflector, Handle
and Harness
17FS 55
English / USA
Mowing tools Deflectors Handles Harnesses/Straps
681FK003
681FK005
681FK006
681FK037 KN
681FK011
5
4
3
2
1
6
681FK111 KN
681BA002 KN
10
11
9
681FK023
13
0
02BA002 K
0
02BA003 K
14
15
0
02BA125 KN
17
002BA001 K
16
0
02BA127 KN
0
02BA005 K
18 19
681FK013
681FK014
7
8
681FK021
12
0
02BA003 K
14
15
002BA001 K
16
0
02BA127 KN
0
02BA005 K
18 19
18
English / USA
FS 55
Fitting the handlebar
: Place the clamp (1) and handle
support (2) on the drive tube (3).
: Position the handlebar (4) in the
handle support – the rubber grip (5)
must be on the left (viewed from
engine).
: Place clamp (6) on handle support.
: Insert screws (7) in the holes and
screw down as far as stop in clamp.
: Secure handlebar (4) on the drive
tube (3) at distance (A) of approx.
15 cm (6 in) from the powerhead.
: Align the handlebar.
: Tighten down the screws firmly.
Fitting the control handle
: Release the screw (8) and remove it
with the washer. The nut (9) remains
in the control handle (10).
: Push the control handle onto the
handlebar (4) – the throttle trigger
(11) must point towards the
gearhead.
: Line up the holes (12).
: Fit screw and washer in control
handle and tighten down firmly.
* see “Guide to Using this Manual”
Mounting the Bike Handle
1
3
2
5
7
6
4
233BA025 KN
4
A
3
233BA018 KN
8
10
11
4
12
233BA038 KN
12
9
19FS 55
English / USA
Fitting the throttle cable
Do not kink the throttle cable - make
sure the throttle trigger moves freely.
: Push the throttle cable (13) into the
retainer (14).
Loop handle with barrier bar
: Insert square nuts (1) in the
barrier bar (2).
: Line up the holes.
: Place the clamp (3) in the loop
handle (4) and position them both
against the drive tube (5).
: Fit the clamp (6) and place the
barrier bar (2) in position.
Note correct position.
: Line up the holes.
: Insert screws (7) in holes and screw
them into the barrier bar as far as
stop.
: Go to “Securing the loop handle”.
14
13
14
13
233BA027 KN
Mounting the Loop Handle
2
002BA098 KN
1
1
5
4
002BA099 KN
2
3
6
7
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